UK drivers are urging car manufacturers to reintroduce spare wheels, as a survey of 11,959 AA members revealed that more than 80 percent lack confidence in tyre repair kits commonly found in new models. The preference for a spare wheel over a tyre inflation kit was expressed by over four in five drivers. Despite this, only 3 percent of new vehicles sold in the UK come equipped with a spare wheel as standard.
The AA points out that with pothole-related incidents on British roads at a five-year high, the need for a spare wheel has never been more critical. Pothole damage cost nearly half a billion pounds in vehicle repair bills last year, with a significant portion allocated to tyre replacements.
The survey also highlighted a lack of awareness among drivers regarding their cars' spare wheel status, especially among younger drivers, with 20 percent of 18-to-24-year-olds admitting they wouldn't check for a spare when purchasing a vehicle. Many drivers only realise the absence of a spare when faced with a puncture.
Most new cars now come with a puncture inflation kit, but a study by the RAC found that fewer than 3 percent of new models include a spare wheel. The absence of spare wheels has led to a rise in breakdown incidents where drivers need assistance for unrepairable flat tyres, with RAC callouts increasing from 165,000 in 2018 to nearly 200,000 in 2022.
Manufacturers cite weight reduction (up to 20kg) for improved fuel efficiency and meeting emissions regulations as reasons for omitting spare wheels. The RAC predicts spare wheels may become extinct, especially with the advent of electric vehicles, where battery packs occupy the traditional spare wheel space.
The AA suggests that drivers can still have spare wheels fitted by opting for them as an added feature when ordering new cars. This option typically costs between £100 and £200. The survey indicates that 49 percent of respondents would be willing to pay for a spare wheel, appreciating the peace of mind it brings. Additionally, 35 percent expressed hesitation to buy a car without a spare wheel, and the same proportion lacked confidence in using tyre inflation kits.
Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year, emphasises the importance of checking for a spare wheel and having a plan in case of a breakdown. He encourages drivers to ensure the spare wheel is serviceable and recommends adding a spare wheel if the vehicle doesn't come with one.
He said, 'The condition of Britain’s potholed roads is leading to lots of damaged tyres.
'In previous times, if a vehicle suffered a punctured tyre, our patrols would simply fit the spare wheel and wave the member on their way.
'More recently, since manufacturers opted to fit an inflation kit instead of a spare wheel, it can take our patrols a couple of hours to resolve the same issue.
'Most of the members we attend say that they’d much prefer the peace of mind of having a spare wheel in the boot, even if they had to pay extra for it. As a result, we are seeing spare tyre kits become more accessible online.'
Chris adds: 'Our advice is for all drivers to check if their vehicle has a spare wheel before they need it, and if they find that their vehicle doesn’t have one, to have a plan in place if things go wrong.
'If they do find a spare wheel in the boot, we’d urge them to check that it is serviceable, if they’re not sure how to do this, most garages are happy to help.'
